Missouri Senate panel endorses ethics law overhaul

JEFFERSON CITY — A Missouri Senate panel has adopted legislation that would require lawmakers to reimburse most gifts received from lobbyists.

The proposal endorsed Tuesday by the ethics committee would give lawmakers 30 days to pay lobbyists back for all items except commemorative gifts, plaques and awards. Legislators would also need to disclose all reimbursements within 10 days to the Missouri Ethics Commission.

In addition, the bill would impose a one-year cooling-off period before former lawmakers could become paid political consultants. They would need to wait two years before becoming registered lobbyists.

The measure also would prevent lawmakers from collecting salaries on state boards and commissions if they leave office early to take such posts. They could start collecting the salary after their legislative term expires.